NYE Funtivities 2010

Happy New Years!

Today as I'm sure you have noticed is NYE... the final day of 2009. I am so excited about celebrating this brand new year with such amazing friends.

So the question is... What are your plans for New Years?

This NYE... Checkpast will close its doors at noon. At 2PM, I will meet Kaylan for some fun bridal dress shopping. I absolutely cannot wait!!! After I get back home, minor cleaning will be done, some festive drinks will be bought, and at that time... NYE festivities will commence. This New Years Eve, both Ray and I will be meeting up with friends at the Olive Garden for dinner and then moving our party to Family Karaoke in Dallas. We've reserved our room and will be singing the night away to popular songs from previous decades. Believe me... more pictures will be posted at a later date.

On New Years Day, my hubby and I will be relaxing at home with the pups. I envision parades and football will be watched, yummy breakfast/lunch will be made, and I will not get out of my pjs until an appropriate hour or when I absolutely must:) That night we will be spending some time with our amazing friends and baby Bryson! I can't wait to see them soon!

Saturday our plan is to FINALLY go see Ice at the Gaylord. This year the theme is How the Grinch Stole Christmas... my absolute fav! We've been meaning to see Ice for a few years now and I'm so excited that this year it works out that we will. Again so so many more pictures will be posted.

So I guess that's about it. Our goal to begin our New Year is spending it with amazing friends and with each other... I guess we might do some sort of organizing... but my goal is to catch up on much needed conversation and time with my hubby, pups, and friends... and SLEEP! ha!

Happy New Year

love,
the Zellners

New Year Resolutions!

So it's about that time again...
HAPPY NEW YEAR... (ish)

Time to make your New Years Resolution(s)!
I'll be honest. I LOVE making New Year Resolutions! I know it's kind of against the norm... only b/c I really do want to keep them. I know I know. I'm like most people. I say things that I want for the new year like to work out or to read more or give more time to some activity and then weeks or months later that goal has gone down the drain. Honestly that mindset is really sad and really frustrating. I'm sure like most of you, we all really do intend on keeping our resolutions but with all that's going on in our lives it really is difficult and more of a challenge.

Well if last year taught me anything... uh hum...
(view pictures below)

To view information about our year long training endeavor, click here

Cow Town Half Marathon, Ft Worth, TX

... it taught me that you really can accomplish your goals/resolutions. All you have to have is dedication, lots of encouragement, motivation, and love from those around you, and some will power!

This year is a little different for Ray and I. I wanted something more... not just another resolution but something that would give more of myself.... and I think Ray came up with a genius idea.

It is labeled YoM: Year of Months!
We both look at this resolution from a different standpoint. Ray's goal is to accomplish three specific goals each month for an entire year!

It would include:
1. Reading a book
2. Finishing a video game
3. Run a half marathon (not technically a race)
4. Finishing 5 books from the bible
(and potentially more)

His goals are to finish the Harry Potter series, Read the entire bible, run 12 marathons and potentially another full marathon, and play a lot more video games. I'm really proud and know he's very dedicated.

My idea is to have specific monthly goals for example I too will read the bible and read a book each month but I'd also like to set different goals each month. Now I'm not exactly sure what all the goals will be but I'm excited to sit down and figure that out.

So what are your resolutions this year? You'll have to let me know if you stick to it and how it works out for you. Know that I'm behind you 110% of the way and think that anything's possible... remember 2 years ago we gave up soda... and coming from a person that drank 5 a day... ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE:)


Good Luck & Happy Resolutions!

Love,
Alicia

Sick Puppy!

Today we are exhausted from a night at the animal hospital...
Poor Toby had a Seizure...


At 1:38AM I heard the strangest noise which sounded like horrible scratching and something hitting the wall. I had thought earlier maybe I heard one of the puppies get sick but when I looked up I thought both had been accounted for. What seemed like minutes later, the noise woke me up. It was this time that I saw Toby against the wall and knew something was wrong. I realized only a few seconds later that it was a seizure. His mouth was open and jaw clenched. He was shaking horribly. His eyes were fixated. He had even pottied and gotten sick on the floor... I felt so helpless. I honestly thought I was going to lose my puppy. And I know he's a dog but in my heart he is like my kiddo... my first and my baby!

After maybe 5-10 minutes (even though it felt like forever), Toby had come to. He was still shaking and a little bit off. When it first happened, Ray immediately called the Animal hospital only a few blocks away. We took him in and by that time he seemed to be doing ok. He had blood work taken and even received a clean bill of health. After 3:00AM we returned home. And while I am so thankful that nothing is internally wrong that we know of... it is still so hard to think that my puppy had a seizure. I NEVER want to see that again. The vet said this may be something that never happens again or could be a regular thing... so all we can do now is watch him.


Our baby's first ever picture! He'll be 3 in February.

Hopefully no more will have to be posted about this, but for now we are so thankful that he's ok... doing well... and resting at home! We love you Sir Toby the Red!

Love,
a very worried Mama

Turning up the Heat!

No Seriously! We're turning on our Heater this time... b/c
WE'RE GETTING MORE SNOW!!!

Stay warm, Dallas!

Nowcast as of 1:28 PM CST on December 29, 2009

Now A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect across western and northern North Texas through 9 am Wednesday morning. In western...central...and northwestern counties of North Texas... snow is falling...and has begun to stick to surfaces as well. Reports indicate some roads and bridges have become slick...and sanding operations are underway. Drive with extreme caution as slick patches may not be obvious from a distance. Snow is expected to continue moving east this afternoon across central and northern counties of North Texas. Precipitation may start as light rain...but as the rain cools the atmosphere a changeover to snow is expected. In southern and southeastern counties of North Texas...a mixture of rain...occasional sleet...and some snow mixed in is falling. This area will also continue to spread east this afternoon...but temperatures remain above freezing and only localized traffic problems are expected through sunset.

Go Gig 'Em Aggies Whoop!

Today is the Independence Bowl 2009 between A&M and Georgia...





The title should say it all!
I LOVE MY AGGIES!

Love,
Alicia

UPDATE
Sadly the Ags ran out of time... but still we LOVE 'em!

Dallas Winter Wonderland

I wish I could have captured every single moment of this past Christmas Weekend on film... even though I know it would be impossible to do. Regardless, I will honestly cherish those moments for a lifetime in my heart !

I seriously think there are moments that God creates just for us. I'm not exactly talking "signs" but I do think that there are things that happen that were absolutely meant to be and were meant for us specifically. It is through such wonderful grace and love that we were put here and even able to receive such gifts. It is in HIM that I am truly thankful!



Again I hope you all had such a wonderful Christmas! This year as I'm sure you've read, both Ray and I had decided to stay in Dallas for our first newly wed Christmas. And while we absolutely missed our families at home and love and miss them daily, I am absolutely so thankful for the time we shared with each other.

Welcome to the first Zellner Family Christmas!
(in Dallas)

Christmas Eve: On Thursday, Checkpast was opened until noon! It was at work that I heard we might have a White Christmas this year in Dallas. Only moments before I had been speaking to my mom about the weather explaining that it was a nice 40 degrees but didn't expect anything different. Boy was I wrong! Right as I was about to leave work those beautiful white flakes started to fall. It wasn't until I left work that it had begun to rain and those beautiful snowflakes had turned into sleet and didn't feel as pretty as it looked. Before returning home I had a few errands to run... and like most people that waited until the last minute I too had to run to the store. I picked up some holiday baking goodies, snacks as well as went to Blockbuster for a few Christmas movies and I was back home to spend with my wonderful family. Our Christmas Eve consisted of watching fun Christmas movies like Die Hard and A Christmas Story, baking up cookies for the puppies (seriously I had looked up a recipe for dog treats), attending the 6PM Christmas Eve Service at the Heights Baptist Church, and playing in the snow.

I did manage to capture many of our amazing moments!

Popcorn Treats for us and Doggy Treats for the Pups

Christmas Eve Service at the Heights

Winter Wonderland and Snow Play




Sliding down the hill on a water cooler lid



Back inside after our time in the snow...
Christmas Eve pictures with the pups!

Us with Mattie and Orion... Toby was not really feeling our photo opt!


So we kind of made him join us:)
All the pups! Love this picture:) Ha!


My two beautiful babies on Christmas Eve!


Aunt Alicia and Orion! Look he's SMILING:) Love it!
Last night at camp:(


Filling the puppies stockings!


Treats for the pups! Ok we usually say no presents on Christmas Eve... but decided they couldn't wait:)

Christmas Day
On Friday, we woke up to a beautiful White Christmas in Dallas!


Merry Christmas, Love the Zellners!

At 7:45AM we decided to begin our morning! Some of the pups really liked the snow while another was very unsure! All in all they had a great start to such a beautiful day!


Toby and Mattie in the Snow!


Orion in the snow:)

After we dropped the puppies off at the apartment, both Ray and I decided to take a walk and with such beautiful scenary and great company, I have to say this was definitely one of our most favorite moments of the weekend!


Ray sliding in our apartment driveway...


It was a bit nippy on my face... probably one of the only times I was quiet in my life:) ha!


Ray in the beauitful snow on our way out of the apartment!

My first snow angel!

How beautiful and COLD:) hehe!



Christmas Morning Breakfast Celebration with my Husband

Cinnamon Rolls and Mimosas! YUM!

After breakfast, Ray read the story of Jesus' birth: Luke Chapter 2!

Later on that morning, we shared each others gifts! This year... being newlyweds and all, Ray came up with a genius plan! We decided to make gift lists of the things we wanted on our registry. We each took our left over gift cards and bought each other gifts! It was so wonderful and it didn't brake the bank:) Ha! I'm sure you were all wondering... WHO FOUND THE PICKLE?!?! Please read previous blog about our new Zellner Family Tradition! I found it! Thanks Michael for hiding it for us this year!

Gifties!

My perfect Brownie!

Ray's new game!

My new soft and comfy spa set:) PS: Toby stole my luffa right after this picture... so I'll have to make sure he doesn't think its his new and favorite play toy!


Toby and Orion playing with the wrapping paper:)

After we opened gifts, Ray and I watched more Christmas movies, baked, napped, and enjoyed the day!

That night we had been invited by our sweet friends to Christmas Dinner. Kristin's family made such a wonderful spread and we felt so special to be apart of it and celebrate such a wonderful time. We are so thankful for their friendship and look forward to more wonderful memories! Thanks to the Fant and Bragg families.

Side note: This was also the last day of puppy camp for little O! Remember he's welcome anytime:)

Group picture of The Zellners and Fants including Baby Bryson!!!


Bryson and I! I absolutely love this little baby! He's perfect in every way:)


Ray and baby Bryson!

We had such a wonderful Christmas!

Day after Christmas!
On Saturday, Ray and I took some personal time for us. This was the first time we really had just with each other to enjoy and relax since the honeymoon! We slept in, went shopping, ate, and saw a movie. Our original plan was to go see Ice at the Gaylord, but decided that we didn't want to rush through anything and will actually be going this next weekend!

This weekend taught me so much. It taught me to be thankful and to really enjoy each moment and to also relax! Ha! I absolutely cannot wait to share these moments with my loved ones and plan for our next visit home ! We love and miss you so much Zellner and Waldrup Families!
Until then...

Love,
Alicia

OH OH: Christmas Movie Recap!
Ok while we did not get to see every movie on our Christmas Movie Marathon List, I do feel we did a pretty good job!

Our list of Movies:
1. The Grinch (The Cartoon)
2. White Christmas (first time since childhood)
3. It's a Wonderful Life (first time since childhood)
4. Elf (a couple of times)
5. Die Hard
6. A Christmas Story
7. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
8. Four Christmases
9. Home Alone (small portion)
10. Polar Express

Plus do include random lifetime Christmas Movies as well as our favorite tv Christmas party episodes... Can't wait until next year.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas... We wish you a Merry Christmas.... and a Happy New Year!


Love,
The Zellners

Letters from Orion: Reindeer in Training

Dear Mommy and Daddy!

I Ruff You sooo Much!

So yesterday I received my letter jacket and antlers at puppy camp... I'm officially a REINDEER in TRAINING!

I'll be honest... I was a little unsure at first about the whole idea... but after seeing my friends dressed up in their new accessories... I figured it was all OK and I was super excited about it! So excited in fact...

Here are some pictures: ENJOY!

Not too sure...


Aunt Alicia crowning me with my new antlers... Love'n it!


My friends attire...


Toby: "This better get me a treat. Did someone say it would... seriously I want one!"


Ok! One more picture!!! Mattie: "But daddy did say treat right?"

I've been such a good boy. Mommy and Daddy you'd be so proud.
Merry Christmas Eve from puppy camp!

Paws,
Orion

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

How are you? That was silly... I know you are extra busy this time of year so I do apologize for being so late with my request. This year I do not want my gift in a box with a ribbon or a bow. I have honestly been given so many gifts....

...the gifts of marriage and of being a newly wed. The gifts of friendship and love for those around me. I have honestly been given so many gifts that I am truly thankful for.

But this year I've also been given a few gifts that have not been so wonderful. I've been given the gifts of forgetfulness, laziness, and procrastination. So with this request I ask that you tell people that I'm sorry. Sorry that gifts will be late, that Christmas cards I actually bought early might barely make it on time and if not will be there right after... I promise that, and Thank you cards should be on their way!

If you will just let people know that would be the greatest gift. Let them know I am truly thankful for them and wish them such a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thanks,
Alicia Zellner

O Christmas Tree

This is our wedding Christmas Tree.
New Tradition: Each year we will purchase a few ornaments that will detail special events within the year. Here are some of our new ornaments we purchased!


Wine Ornament for our wine-themed wedding!


I really do just love our wedding tree topper!


Cute New Doggy Ornament from Crate & Barrel to remind us of our kiddos!

Love,
Alicia

Letters from Orion!

To my mommy and daddy,
I Ruff You!

Doggy Camp has been such a blast! I get to see my friends all day... and play and play and play... until I crash... and then I play and play and play some more!!!!

On the ride to camp, Uncle Ray Ray let me drive... ok maybe not drive... but I got to have the best seat in the car. I saw some weird noisy "drivey thing" that t I did not like and barked at him. He quickly sped away. I am a great guard dog! You would be so proud:)


I even have a girlfriend over here... Sometimes she plays a little hard to get...




But its ok because I also have my best bud.... and even though he talks really loud and likes to bite my ears... I still love him!


Yesterday after playing, uncle Ray Ray and Aunt Alicia took all the kiddos on a walk... I was so good!


I'm having so much fun over here at camp! I've been such a good boy and play with my friends! I keep them company and we all sleep very hard after a long day! Uncle Ray Ray and Aunt Alicia give me tons of hugs and kissies but I also like to return the favor!

Paws,
Orion